The Technics AZ100 Review: The Most Innovative Earbuds I’ve Worn Yet

I’ll admit it—I’ve become a bit of a snob when it comes to earbuds. After testing everything from AirPods Pro to obscure audiophile picks, it takes a lot to genuinely impress me. But when I slipped the Technics AZ100 into my ears for the first time, something clicked. These aren’t just another pair of wireless earbuds. They’re different. They’re smarter. They’re… innovative.

And that word—innovative—is what sums up my entire experience with the AZ100. From design to sound to features I didn’t even know I needed, this is the first time in a long time I’ve been excited about earbuds again.

First Impressions: Sleek Meets Smart

The case? Compact, smooth, subtly stylish. The buds themselves? Lightweight but premium, with a smooth, slightly rounded design that nestles into your ear like they were custom made for it. No weird stems or gimmicks—just thoughtful, refined hardware.

I immediately noticed how light they were. At just under 6 grams per bud, they basically vanish once you put them in. But here’s the kicker: despite being so light, they still pack an insane amount of tech.

The matte metallic finish adds to the elegance, and the case has a satisfyingly firm click when it closes. I’ve had plenty of earbuds that look the part but feel cheap—this isn’t one of them. From the moment you open the box, you know you’re dealing with something premium.

The Sound: A New Level of Precision

The AZ100 use something called magnetic fluid drivers. That sounds like a sci-fi upgrade, and honestly, it kind of is. Technics developed this technology by placing a ferrofluid—a magnetic, oil-like substance—between the magnet and the coil. What does that mean in everyday use?

It means no distortion. Even at higher volumes, the clarity is wild. The bass is full and present without being overbearing, the mids are silky, and the highs have that crisp sparkle you usually only get from wired, over-ear headphones. It felt like I was hearing details in my music that I didn’t even know were there.

Tracks I thought I knew suddenly had new layers. Background harmonies stood out. Drum fills had texture. It made listening feel fresh again.

Noise Cancellation That Actually Adapts

I’ve used ANC earbuds before, but the AZ100 go a step further. Instead of just blocking everything out in a brute-force way, these earbuds actually adapt to your surroundings. On the train, they quiet the rumble while letting voices through. Walking down the street, they lower ambient noise just enough to keep you aware but focused.

It doesn’t feel like you’re being sealed into a vacuum—just gently cocooned in sound. That alone made me wear them longer than I normally would.

There’s also a transparency mode that sounds natural and real. It doesn’t have that weird hiss or artificial echo some brands still can’t fix. You can leave them in and have a conversation without feeling like you’re in a tunnel.

Hello, Spatial Audio. Hello, Dolby Atmos.

Here’s where it gets fun. The AZ100 supports Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and yes, you can actually hear the difference. When I listened to a few Atmos-mixed tracks on Tidal, the soundstage opened up in a way that genuinely surprised me. Instruments had more room to breathe. Vocals felt like they were floating. It wasn’t just sound. It was presence.

Gaming and movies? Same effect. Whether I was watching a Netflix thriller or catching up on an episode of The Mandalorian, the spatial feel added a layer of depth I never expected from earbuds this size.

If you care about immersion, this feature alone might win you over.

A Multipoint Masterclass

Let me tell you about one of my biggest pet peeves: switching Bluetooth devices. It’s always clunky and often ends in a small existential crisis. But not here.

The AZ100 connects to three devices simultaneously. Not one. Not two. Three. That means I can listen to a podcast on my tablet, get a call on my phone, and hop into a Zoom meeting on my laptop—all without having to disconnect or re-pair anything. It’s the kind of quality-of-life feature you didn’t know you needed until it saves your day.

For someone who switches devices constantly throughout the day, this is a massive win.

Battery Life: The Quiet Hero

The buds themselves give you 10 hours of playback, and the case adds another 28. I charged them once, used them constantly for two days, and they still hadn’t died. If you’re someone who forgets to plug in your tech overnight (guilty), these are incredibly forgiving.

The case also supports fast charging. A quick 15-minute top-up gives you over an hour of playtime—perfect for those “I forgot to charge them and now I’m late” mornings.

Voice Calls Are Crystal Clear (Even in Chaos)

I tested the Voice Focus AI mic system during a busy coffee shop call, and my colleague thought I was in a quiet room. That’s thanks to the three-mic array in each earbud, which does a fantastic job of isolating your voice and dumping background noise.

Even in wind, or when I walked past traffic, I stayed clearly audible. If you take a lot of calls or online meetings, these could replace your headset entirely.

App Control That Actually Matters

The Technics app isn’t just a gimmick. It lets you fine-tune the EQ, adjust ANC intensity, set touch control preferences, and update firmware. It’s clean, fast, and gets out of the way when you don’t need it.

There’s also a cool feature that lets you customize the spatial audio based on your ear shape using your phone’s camera. It sounds wild, but it actually made a difference in how immersive the audio felt.

Build Quality and Fit

Technics didn’t cut corners here. These earbuds are IPX4 rated, so they can handle sweat and splashes—perfect for workouts or rainy commutes. The fit is snug but comfortable, and the rounded body means no awkward pressure points.

They come with a generous selection of ear tips, so it’s easy to get the perfect seal (which also boosts sound and ANC performance).

So, Are They Worth It?

Let’s be real: these are premium earbuds. They aren’t cheap. But after a week with the AZ100, I’d say they don’t just justify their price—they earn it. Every feature feels intentional. Every detail has been thought through. And they innovate in ways that make your daily audio experience feel exciting again.

They aren’t trying to copy anyone else. They aren’t here to check boxes. They’re here to lead.

If you care about sound quality, convenience, and cutting-edge tech that actually improves your life, then yes. The Technics AZ100 are 100% worth it.

In a world full of forgettable earbuds, these are the ones I can’t stop listening to.